Colombia, with its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes and welcoming people, has become a popular destination for tourists, digital nomads and expats alike. However, extending your stay beyond the standard 90-day tourist visa can be a bit confusing.
This guide will walk you through the process of extending your Colombian tourist visa online. So you can enjoy this South American gem for up to 180 days per calendar year.
How to extend a tourist visa in Colombia?
Understanding Colombian Tourist Visas
Before diving into the extension procedure, it’s important to understand what a Colombian tourist visa is. When citizens from over 90 countries enter Colombia, they are not given a formal visa, but rather an entry stamp in their passport. This stamp acts as a ‘tourist permit’ and is valid for up to 90 days.
Although I will refer to this as a ‘tourist visa’ for the sake of simplicity, it is technically a permit. The Colombian government offers more than 20 different types of visas, each requiring specific applications.
How Long Can You Stay in Colombia as a Tourist?
Under Colombian law, tourists are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 180 days per calendar year (from January 1 to December 31). This means the initial 90-day tourist permit can be extended by an additional 90 days.
However, it’s important to note that you cannot stay in Colombia for more than 180 days consecutively, even if this spans across two calendar years. For example, if you arrive in Colombia on November 1, you must depart by the end of February, irrespective of the year.
When Should You Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension?
I recommend initiating the extension process at least 10 days before your initial 90-day permit expires. This allows ample time for any potential delays or issues. Applying late could result in a loss of the opportunity to extend your stay without leaving the country and Migración Colombia could impose a fine.
Extending Your Colombian Tourist Visa Online
The Colombian government has automated the process for extending your tourist visa, saving you a trip to the Migración Colombia office. You can initiate the extension process through the official Migración Colombia website.
No matter where you are in the country (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena), to extend your Colombian tourist visa online, visit the Migración Colombia website.
Visit the Migración Colombia Website
To begin the extension process, visit the official Migración Colombia website and select the ‘Formulario Único de Trámites (FUT)’ option. Next, in the section labelled ‘Tipo de trámite‘ choose the ‘Permiso Temporal de Permanencia para Prorrogar Permanencia‘ option.
Although the website offers an English version, many users have reported issues with it. And it has never worked for me. Therefore, I recommend using the Spanish version, even if it means brushing up on your Spanish or using a translator tool.
Prepare and Upload Your Documents
You will be asked to upload several documents as part of your application. Ensure these are scanned and saved in PDF format, as the website does not accept other file types. The total size of your PDF files should not exceed 1 MB.
The required documents include:
- A copy of your passport’s information page
- A copy of your most recent Colombian entry stamp
- Proof of onward travel from Colombia, such as a flight confirmation email
If you are traveling with a child, you will also need to submit the child’s birth certificate and a copy of one parent’s passport information page.
Receive Confirmation and Pay the Colombian Visa Fee
After submitting your application, you should receive a response within 1-2 business days. If your application is approved, you will need to pay a fee of 110,000 Colombian pesos (COP). This fee is waived for citizens of Schengen countries in Europe.
The approval email will contain instructions on how to pay. You can make the payment online, at a Banco Occidente bank or at a Migración Colombia office. Personally, I always pay online with a Wise borderless bank account.
Receive Approval of Your Colombian Tourist Permit Extension
Once your payment has been confirmed, you will receive a PDF via email indicating that your tourist permit has been extended. Print this document and keep it with your passport.
You will need this document when you exit the country. And Western Union may ask for it anytime you use their services to access cash in Colombia.
What If You Overstay Your Tourist Visa in Colombia?
Overstaying your tourist permit in Colombia can lead to serious consequences, including fines and potential deportation.
If you have overstayed your permit, you should visit a Migración Colombia office at least three days before your planned departure to pay the fine and apply for a ‘salvoconducto’ or temporary permit. This permit allows you to remain in Colombia legally until your departure.
It’s important to avoid overstaying your permit whenever possible, as the fines can be hefty and start at 1,400,000 COP.
Can You Work in Colombia on a Tourist Visa?
While you’re in Colombia on a tourist permit, you’re not allowed to engage in formal employment or work for any Colombian institution. However, online jobs or informal work in tourist-oriented areas such as hostels are common among tourists and digital nomads.
Use a Wise borderless bank account while in Colombia to pay and be paid. The Wise bank card has the best exchange rates in Colombia.
Staying in Colombia for Longer than 180 Days
If you wish to stay in Colombia for more than 180 days, you will need to apply for a different type of visa. This could include a student visa, a work visa or even a visa obtained by marrying a Colombian citizen. Each of these visas has its own specific requirements and application processes.
The route that most expats in Colombia take to stay permanently in Colombia, is the investor visas obtained by purchasing real estate in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali or Cartagena. And it’s why I am currently purchasing real estate in Bogotá.
Conclusion – Tourist Visas in Colombia
Extending your Colombian tourist visa is a straightforward process, especially with the government’s move to online applications. By following the steps in this guide, you can enjoy the beauty and culture of Colombia for a full 180 days.
Remember, it’s always important to follow Colombia’s immigration laws and regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. And if you’re unsure or need professional legal or migration advice while in Colombia, I recommend reaching out to someone like Alan Gongora at Langon Law Group LLC.
Where Can I Get More Information On Bogotá?
I’ve made my Bogotá Colombia City Guide available on this website. And I recommend you read it before traveling to Colombia. It will help you navigate Bogotá and Colombian society.
My Bogotá Colombia City Guide will save you a lot of time and a significant amount of money on your trip to Colombia. Colombia is not the sort of destination in which you can just arrive unprepared.
Read the Bogotá Colombia City Guide here.
